StateTally

Virginia Unemployment Benefits Calculator (2026)

The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) administers unemployment insurance under Va. Code § 60.2-602, and as of July 5 2026 the weekly maximum rose to $478—a jump from the $430 ceiling that applied to claims filed after Jan 4 2026. Benefits range from a $60 minimum to $478 per week, payable for up to 26 weeks.

Reviewed 2026-08-27 · Estimates only — not legal or financial advice. · Ver esta página en español

Before taxes.
Before taxes.
The law behind this calculator: Virginia Employment Commission — unemployment insurance — Va. Code § 60.2-602; Virginia Employment Commission.

How Virginia calculates it

  • Identify the wages you earned in your highest‑earning quarter.
  • Identify the wages you earned in your second‑highest quarter.
  • Add the two quarterly wage amounts together.
  • Divide the combined total by 50 to get a preliminary weekly benefit amount.
  • If the result is below $60, the weekly benefit is set to $60; if it exceeds $478, the weekly benefit is capped at $478 (or $430 for claims filed before July 5 2026).

Worked example

In the worked example, the two highest‑earning quarters are $12,000 and $10,500. Adding them gives $22,500, and dividing by 50 yields $450, so the weekly benefit is $450. At that rate the claimant could receive up to 26 weeks of benefits, for a total of $11,700 if the full entitlement is drawn.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum weekly unemployment benefit in Virginia?

The state guarantees a minimum weekly benefit of $60.

How much earnings are needed to reach Virginia’s $478 maximum benefit?

You must have at least $23,900 in total wages across your two highest‑earning quarters to hit the $478 cap.

How many weeks of benefits can a Virginia claimant receive?

Unemployment benefits are payable for up to 26 weeks.

Did Virginia recently change the maximum weekly benefit amount?

Yes. The maximum increased to $430 for claims filed on or after Jan 4 2026, and then to $478 for claims filed on or after July 5 2026.

How is the weekly benefit amount calculated in Virginia?

Add the wages from your two highest quarters, divide that sum by 50, then apply the $60 minimum and $478 maximum limits.

Is the calculation different in Virginia Beach, Richmond or Arlington?

No. Benefits are set by the Virginia Employment Commission under one statewide formula, so a claim filed from Virginia Beach, Richmond, Arlington is computed exactly like one from anywhere else in Virginia. Only your wages — not your city or county — change the result.

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StateTally. (2026). Virginia Unemployment Calculator 2026: up to $478/week. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://statetally.com/unemployment/virginia/